Omega Ascension System[BL]

The indoor garden was completely empty save for the two of them. "What... What do you mean by that?" Elian queried in response to his last question. "The Dark Lands are... Something. Honestly, it’s all a lot, but at the same time, I feel like it’s just giving me the same headaches I faced in Lunaria." Kyren smirked to himself but didn’t say anything in response, placing his arms behind his back and trailing his eyes through each flower bed before them. He let his gaze linger on the flowers for a little while, admiring the pretty colours and exhilarating scents. Until— "What makes you think trouble wouldn’t change forms regardless of where you’re at, little flame?" Kyren queried, slowly raising his right hand. As he made that gesture, his magic began taking hold of the blazing red flowers in front of him. The flowers fluttered like they were being touched by some invisible wind. Kyren smirked at the sight at the same moment that Elian began stuttering behind him. "H–Honestly... It feels like trouble follows me anywhere I go." Good, the lad is stating an obvious pattern. "Trouble isn’t just following you anywhere you go, Elian." Kyren turned to face him, tilting his head slightly. "It’s transforming, based on the environment you’re in." He took in a relaxed breath, feeling the air filling his lungs. When he did that, his eyes flashed with a brief red light. Suddenly, the flowers behind him burst into a spectacular sight. They coiled like shrivelled leaves within the first few seconds at first, but soon expanded like blooming flowers during spring. Once they did that, they transformed completely, shifting forms into butterflies with blazing red colours. Elian’s jaw fell in awe as the butterflies spread their wings and shot into the air around Kyren, flying like the Rogue king was leading them through a parade. "This indoor garden has the right conditions to keep these flowers alive. Like a greenhouse." Kyren decided to use an example just because. He snapped his fingers, causing the butterflies to freeze mid-flight. The poor little critters shrunk into ashes, falling on the soil they’d sprung from. Elian’s eyes showed his astonishment at the display of magic but Kyren didn’t ponder on that for too long, gesturing at the now barren flower bed behind him. "But with my manipulations, the flower bed’s condition has changed drastically," Kyren remarked, smirking slyly. "Are you getting where I’m at?" Elian arched a brow, folding his arms in front of his chest. "Oh, that you’re a show off flaunting your magic?" Kyren’s brows furrowed, followed by a light chuckle as he shook his head. "Okay, I admit I like doing that a little." Kyren raised his arms in defeat, shrugging. "But what I was trying to point out is how problems have shifted based on where your location is. Since your apparent rebirth." He raised his fingers, clearing his throat. "Should I begin listing—" "Ugh, no." Elian rubbed the bridge of his nose, waving dismissively. "I get it. But what can I do exactly? I thought I’d be safe under your roof but so far—" "You haven’t been targeted here yet, Elian." Kyren stepped closer, placing his hands on his shoulders. "At least, not as much as Lunaria. Unless for the times I took you outside." His lips pressed into a thin line, the pressure in his chest multiplying at the mere thought of something happening to Elian. Something beyond his control.

He was so used to always being in control that now thinking of the possibility of losing that with someone—who might be the only person he cared about—was nauseating. "The Dark Hand is the main suspect behind the target on your back." Kyren finally withdrew his hands from Elian’s shoulders. "But the closer we get to unravelling this whole thing, the more I realise someone closer to you might be manipulating things. And might know about the gift in you." He was referring to the system in Elian at that last part. There was no doubt in his mind anymore... The Dark Hand definitely knew something about Elian’s rebirth and his system. "What do you advise I do then?" Elian questioned with a defeated sigh, his jaw tightening. "Keep a low profile? But I’ve been doing that all this time." Kyren shook his head once. "Have you?" Elian frowned, confusion gleaming in his violet eyes. Kyren went on. "How exactly does the mate of the Alpha Prince, Beta and rogue king of the Dark Lands keep a low profile?" Elian’s cheeks flushed red but he didn’t say anything. "As long as you remain hidden in this palace..." Kyren patted his right shoulder one last time, caressing him gently. "You should be fine. Until we can figure out a way to keep you permanently protected." Elian nodded slowly but his eyes seemed distant. Like he was going through multiple thoughts at once. The last thing Kyren wanted to do now was intrude... Although he couldn’t help but wonder if Elian was in some kind of conversation with his system. "I’ll leave you to... Collect yourself." Kyren muttered, his eyes squinting softly as he brought out a trinket from his cloak. It was a necklace with a red gemstone that glinted under the soft white light in the indoor garden. He handed it over to Elian who gawked speechlessly at it even though he collected it. "The incident at the training hall earlier made me realise I should put more effort into ensuring you’re safe even when I’m not nearby." The Rogue king clutched the necklace tightly in Elian’s hands. "Which is why I’m giving you this..." Elian smiled warmly, his eyes flicking from his outstretched hands to Kyren’s face repeatedly. "I... I don’t know what to say." Elian shook his head, his voice cracking slightly. "What’s its purpose, though?" Kyren smiled slightly. "Let’s just say it’s something that’ll keep you protected for me if the worst ever happens and I’m not present." Elian’s lips pouted. "Don’t tell me you’re going to leave me in suspense." Kyren chuckled mischievously. Now wouldn’t that be fun? "It’s only fair after you left me in the dark over your... System and all." He leaned in, pecking Elian on the cheek. "Don’t worry. You’ll know its usefulness when the time comes. I’ll see you in the evening." He proceeded to walk past his little flame, his boots clicking heavily on the tarred floor leading to the exit. "You’re surprisingly petty, you know that right?" Elian chimed behind him, almost causing him to pause. But he merely grinned, glancing over his shoulder while he continued moving. "Maybe I am. But you love me that way, don’t you?" Elian’s cheeks almost popped at the mention of "love". But Kyren didn’t tease any further, swerving his head back to the exit. There was a war looming over the Dark Lands and he’d be damned before he let himself become complacent in it.

. . "What are the stats on Bloomfen city, Farrell?" He asked his commander as he sat on his throne, his voice booming through the dark walls of the throne room. His commander held a holographic tablet in his hands below the dais, his expression grave. That shouldn’t be good. "Our spies have infiltrated the city just like you commanded, my Lord. They’re gathering information on vital Arcadian troops and the likes as we speak." Farrell reported with a tinge of hesitation. Kyren could feel the inevitable "but" coming in and drummed his fingers on the armrests of his throne in anticipation of it. After a short wait, Farrell finally spoke, lowering the holographic tablet in his hands. "But, despite our successful infiltration of Arcadian soil, our spies discovered something troubling. Warships lifting off Bloomfen and being directed to other parts of Arcadia." Kyren’s eyes darkened, his fingers tensing up. War crafts... Meant one obvious thing. "They’re planning a mass attack..."